Assistant Camp Director

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Mass Audubon

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Milton, MA, United States

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27 days ago

Location: Milton, MA

Sanctuary: Blue Hills Trailside Museum

About Mass Audubon

Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 140,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at www.massaudubon.org.

About This Position

Assist in the management of the camp under the direction of the Camp Director including daily logistics, organizing weekly activities, taking photos, writing blog posts and/or parent updates, and developing and teaching pre-camp and in-service staff trainings. Provide support, energy, motivation and a fun and welcoming atmosphere to the camp community. To discover more about our programs, check out our summer camp programs on our website, Blue Hills Camp!

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Attend Mass Audubon’s Camp Field School, if schedule allows-during staff training;
  • Assist with development and teaching of pre-camp and in-service trainings at Blue Hills;
  • Assist with the direction of the day to day activities of the camp program and with the supervision of the day camp staff;
  • Take photos of campers and staff (camera provided or your own) and ensure that other staff are taking photos of campers;
  • Upload all camp photos at least twice weekly to smug mug;
  • Create a “Best photos of Camp___” computer file;
  • Help write the daily letter to parents;
  • Participate in staff meetings and planning sessions, and communicate to the Camp Director;
  • Address conflicts, questions, concerns, or parent issues/comments as directed by the Camp Director;
  • Protect the physical, emotional, sexual, and spiritual welfare and safety of campers and camp;
  • Ensure that camp staff and campers know and follow safety and educational procedures during camp programs;
  • Model appropriate behavior and use appropriate behavior guidance techniques at all times;
  • Evaluate the success of the program and the development of the campers’ abilities and skills in various program activities;
  • Supervise and evaluate counselors to develop and implement all facets of camp program activities
  • Regularly monitor work of counselors.
  • Provide feedback and guidance to counselors;
  • Provide recommendations and concerns to Camp Director regarding counselors’ performance;
  • Be willing to use first aid and CPR skills when necessary according to the camp’s standing medical orders;
  • Serve as the camp’s health care supervisor in the absence of the camp director;
  • Participate in all camp activities like opening and closing circle, all camp games, and clean up and organizing at the end of the day;
  • Work with the staff community to create a productive, effective, and inclusive communication process;
  • Help create a community of curiosity and nature reconnection;
  • Have the physical ability to walk over unimproved terrain and to assist campers in an emergency; operate with daily exposure to the sun and heat and varying weather conditions;
  • Have the visual and auditory ability to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs, as well as, to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to all camp activities;
  • Communicate with campers, parents, and the staff team in an age-appropriate manner;
  • Maintain composure under stressful situations and a long work day.

Qualifications

At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:

Must Have’s:

  • Be at least 22 years of age;
  • Have a valid driver’s license, approved driving record, and willingness to drive a 12-passenger van;
  • Have a minimum of one season’s experience as a camp counselor or school teacher (other child care experience may be considered);
  • Have demonstrated ability to work with and communicate effectively with persons of all ages;
  • Hold current certification in first aid and CPR during the full period of employment;
  • Have demonstrated experience in working with children in a safe and effective manner;
  • Have the ability to work cooperatively and independently;
  • Have effective communication skills, and effective computer skills;
  • Have photography and simple photographic editing skills;
  • Exhibit enthusiasm, a sense of humor, patience, and self-control;
  • Provide documented proof of immunity or vaccination record (MMR, tetanus, etc.) and complete the camp’s health form and waiver;
  • Be available to follow the camp schedule, which includes working some extended days.

Nice to Have’s:

  • Preferred candidate is 25 or older;
  • Have a bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences, outdoor recreation, environmental education, education, or other field related to child care/development;
  • Have experience working in a supervisor role at a day or resident camp;
  • The preferred candidate will have supervisory skills and experience working or volunteering at a nature camp, nature center, or outdoor interpretive center;
  • Ability to speak a second language.

Compensation & Benefits

This position’s base salary range is $17.25-$19.50 per hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements.

This is not a benefits eligible position.

Additional Information

Work Schedule:
Monday-Friday 7:45am-4:45pm, 45-50 hours a week.
June 6-June 17 is Staff Training and all new staff are expected to attend this training. Camp runs from June 20-August 26 with an option to work until September 2, 2022.

Other Requirements:
Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.

COVID-19 Considerations

Mass Audubon requires that all staff, regardless of their work location, disclose their vaccination status. Proof of vaccination status will be required immediately upon hire.

Mass Audubon's Commitment To Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice

Mass Audubon's mission is to "protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife" by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

How To Apply

If you have questions about this position, please contact the Camp Director, Laney Marcotte, at lmarcotte@massaudubon.org to set up a time to talk before you apply. If you are ready to apply, please include your answers to the following questions in your cover letter.

  • What is your realistic availability from June 1 through September 3, 2022? What time off will you need, end of school, family vacations, etc.
  • What is something you are passionate about?
  • How would you see this position as a mentor for both staff and campers?
  • Describe your experiences with leading staff in a camp community.
  • What is an environmental topic that you are interested in teaching about?
  • What would you want to be known for at camp? A song? An activity? What would staff and campers remember you for?
  • What do you do to connect with Nature?
  • What would you do to make camp memorable for the campers?
  • How do you keep staff excited about the summer?

Please email your resume and cover letter to:

Laney Marcotte, Camp Director
lmarcotte@massaudubon.org

Job# 3607